Written Answers Nos. 183-188
183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department have identified opportunities for the expansion of the export of dairy produce globally; the degree to which such prospects are likely to be affected by the lifting of milk quotas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14444/14]
View answerMarket analysis predicts that medium term prospects for global dairy markets are good, with growth in world population and wealth expected to stimulate strong levels of demand for dairy products. More than 85% of Irish dairy production is exported and Ireland has access for dairy products to over eighty countries worldwide. Nevertheless I am working with industry to raise the profile of the Irish dairy sector, and the Irish agri-food sector generally, in emerging markets in the Far East, North Africa and elsewhere. I have been very active in developing relationships in new and expanding markets in order to build the kind of confidence in Irish production and control systems that provide a platform for long-term trading relationships in the future.
The ending of the milk quota regime represents an exceptional opportunity to increase milk output, both in Ireland and in other Member States where milk production forms a significant part of their agricultural output. A Report published by the EU Commission last December on how markets are evolving, as the ending of milk quotas approaches, found that medium and long term prospects for the dairy sector are favourable. This conclusion is based on population growth projections and westernisation of diets in emerging economies. The Report did caution, however, that this outlook did not rule out short term market fluctuations.
Ireland strongly supported the decision to abolish milk quotas with effect from 1 April 2015 on the basis that quotas were widely regarded by both the Irish dairy sector and market analysts as a brake on the potential of the sector to respond positively to market opportunities. I expect the abolition of quotas to facilitate an expansion in the sector and through the Food Harvest 2020 Report the industry has set itself an ambitious target for a 50% increase in milk production by 2020. For my part I have been working on a number of fronts to prepare the industry for the move to a quota free environment and equip it to respond to the market opportunities arising.
A key element of this market strategy is to optimise the already positive green image of Ireland in order to create a point of differentiation for Irish dairy products on international markets. In this context, I launched a National Sustainability and Quality Scheme for the dairy sector, which will build on the already formidable reputation of the Irish dairy sector in international markets, by capitalising on Ireland's reputation for green, carbon efficient, high quality dairy production. At processing level, Bord Bia's Origin Green Programme is providing a vehicle for industry to commit itself to sustainability targets by reducing energy inputs, minimising overall carbon footprint and mitigating the impact on the environment. This pro-active approach to environmental sustainability has a strong resonance with procurement strategists in the many multinational food companies who are interested in using Ireland as a source of high quality food ingredients and processed products.
Of course the industry itself has a responsibility to focus its efforts on market and product development. Supported by Government, the Irish dairy sector has succeeded in positioning itself as a major international player, and we have seen industry announcements in relation to the development of supply arrangements between Irish companies and multinational players in third countries, and the development of value added products which can maximise the value of our dairy output.
At farm level my Department, in conjunction with Teagasc, has been working with, and will continue to work towards helping the industry prepare for this move to a quota free environment. A range of supports have been provided to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to reduce costs and improve efficiency at farm level. Such supports include the Dairy Efficiency Programme, which has facilitated a significant increase in Discussion Group participation, and the Dairy Equipment Scheme, which provides grant aid for milking machines, cooling equipment and other related ancillary equipment.
Taking all this into account, I am confident that the collaborative efforts of Government, the processing industry and the producers will ensure a thriving and sustainable dairy sector that can use the opportunity afforded by the abolition of quotas to fully leverage the natural advantage of Ireland's grass-based production system.
185. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the protocol on assistant principal officers and principal officers using their private cars and claiming unvouched expenses when official cars are available in his Department; if he has received any complaints regarding same; and the oversight that is in place to deal with same. [14836/14]
View answerPrincipal Officers and Assistant Principal Officers in my Department do not have access to official cars to assist them in carrying out their duties. When such officers use their private cars for official purposes, the Department processes expenses claims in accordance with protocols set down by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. I am not aware of any complaints lodged with my Department in relation to this matter and the referenced grade streams.
186. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of intercountry adoption cases before the High Court as a result of difficulties with adoption recognition pursuant to the provisions of the 1993 Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, which was enacted by the previous Government in 2010; the cost to the State by way of outlay, apart from the costs of any applicants which the High Court might order the State to discharge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14296/14]
View answerThe Adoption Authority advises that there are currently seven cases in relating to intercountry adoption before the High Court.
As the Deputy submitted a revised version of her question, which significantly changed the material sought, at a very late date it has not been possible to compile the information in relation to costs. I have requested the information from the Adoption Authority of Ireland will reply directly to the Deputy.
188. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 203 of 6 March 2014, when the 74 social worker vacancies she referred to will be filled. [14414/14]
View answerFurther to my response to the Deputy of 6 March 2014, I am advised by the Child and Family Agency that, since its establishment on 1 January 2014, 23 social workers have commenced employment. A further 13 are due to commence employment during March and April 2014 and discussions are ongoing with other candidates to agree starting dates for other approved positions.
